The Philippines is exhibiting in this ear's Xth Bienal de São Paulo the works
of five of her outstanding artists: the sculptures of Napoleon V. Abueva, the
painting of Cesar Legazpi, the drawings of Noel Manalo, and the engravings
of Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. and Restituto Embuscado.
With these modest collection of Philippine contemporary art, we hope to show
something of the eclesticism, diversity, and intense experimentations (in both
art medium and form) that piesently characterize Philippine Art. While the
influence of Occidental and Oriental artistic thought and techniques may be
evident in this art, it is nevertheless colored by the native psyche and enviroument.
This year's participating Filipino artists are separated from one another by
time and varying artistic beliefs and persuasions and yet are bound together
by a common concern for the quality of the work and the need to express
the creative vision that informs one's art.
The Art Association of the Philippines, of which these five artists participating in the bienal are members, is deeply appreciative of the opportunity
which the Fundação Bienal de São Paulo has afforded her in exhibiting a
significant and important aspect of Philippine contemporary art.